TRIBUTES have been paid to a former miner turner professional footballer.
Andy Graver, who was born in Craghead, near Stanley, County Durham, died last month, aged 86.
He signed for Newcastle United a few weeks before his 20th birthday and went on to become Lincoln City's most prolific goal scorer, netting 143 goals in 274 games for the Imps.
He had three spells with the club between 1950 and 1961 and topped a recent fan's poll of club legends.
Mr Graver’s funeral was held at Lincoln Crematorium on Wednesday.
His wife Moira said it was wonderful to see so many people at the service and for him to be so fondly remembered.
She said: “Andy would have been in his element, chatting to everyone and meeting all his friends. It's just a shame he's not here.
“He hasn't played football for 50 years. It's incredible really.
“But you never know he might be watching from somewhere.”
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